ScienceAugust 11, 2026
alleles
uh-LEELZ
Definition
One of two or more alternative forms of a specific gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'allelon', meaning 'each other' or 'reciprocal'. The term was coined in the early 20th century as a shortened form of 'allelomorph', describing variant forms of a gene.
In the news
In the context of hybridization, alleles are analyzed to understand how different variants from parent species combine or interact in the offspring. They are central to mapping the genetic diversity and compatibility between diverging populations.
Genetics and genomics of hybridization
Read the full article ↗Nature